The 10 Best Places to Buy a Holiday Home in Cornwall

Cornwall has been the centre of holiday letting over many years as it hosts some of the most beautiful scenery across the country.

But making the leap to purchase property in Cornwall can be daunting. With so many great locations to choose from, we've used internal booking data to find out the best places to buy a holiday home in Cornwall.

Why buy a holiday let in Cornwall?

Cornwall is well-known as being one of the most beautiful regions of England, the UK and even further. It's unique climate, golden beaches, quirky independent pubs and shops and activities for all tastes and interests make it one of the best places to buy a holiday home in the UK.

As an incredibly diverse and unique region in the UK, Cornwall's rich appeal to all ages has frequently inspired people to move there for good.

Are holiday lets in Cornwall a good investment?

According to our 2024 Holiday Letting Outlook Report, Cornwall is the 4th best region to buy a holiday let in the UK, bringing in £26,500 per year on average.

With sunny seaside towns, quaint fishing villages and characterful market towns to choose from, read on to discover the best places in Cornwall to buy a holiday home.

Use Sykes' Holiday Let Income Calculator to see how Cornwall compares to other UK locations in terms of earnings.

Where are the best places to buy a holiday home in Cornwall?

We've had a look at our booking performance of Sykes Cottages between 2022 and 2023 to find out the top 10 places to buy a holiday home in Cornwall.

Read on to discover where you should look at buying a holiday let to give yourself the best chance of being a successful owner:

1. Camborne

According to the booking performance of properties signed up with Sykes Holiday Cottages, Camborne is the best place to buy a holiday home in Cornwall - and who could argue?

The industrial town has plenty to offer, from the historic tin mines and stone-built engine houses to an abundance of luscious beauty spots. Camborne is part of the Cornwall and West Devon mining landscape, which became a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

If you're looking to save money on your holiday home, Camborne is a great choice for buying a holiday home. Houses typically cost £190,459, making this lively town an affordable option for potential owners.

2. Tintagel

Tintagel is one of the best places to buy a holiday home in Cornwall due to its fascinating heritage and stunning countryside views. Walking country surrounds this historic town, with the scenic Tintagel Castle and Rocky Valley Labyrinth nearby.

Tintagel is ideally located for exploring North Cornwall, with various traditional inns and coffee shops to fuel guests up for an adventure, or help them unwind at the end of the day.

Buying a holiday home in Tintagel means that you have easy access to the South West coast path, leaving you spoilt for choice with views of the Atlantic Ocean, romantic castles on dramatic cliffs and jaw-dropping scenery.

3. Carbis Bay

If you're considering buying a holiday home in Cornwall, then Carbis Bay has to be right up there in the list of options. Carbis Bay being one of Cornwall's best-performing towns for bookings is backed up by its quirky seaside charm and unrivalled coastal views.

Some of Cornwall's most popular attractions rest within easy reach of Carbis Bay, not least the world-famous Land's End and the iconic St. Michael's Mount.

The picturesque bay offers outstanding sea views and miles of sandy beaches. Whether it's glistening sands and enthralling water sports, or characterful towns and awe-inspiring walking country that you're looking for, Carbis Bay is a remarkable place to buy a holiday home in Cornwall.

4. St Ives

Perhaps Cornwall's most popular tourist spot, St Ives offers something for all types of holidaymaker; water sports on picturesque beaches, museums, art galleries, first-class restaurants and quaint independent shops are just some of what this place has to offer.

For those that are looking to base their holiday in one spot and not travel around too much, a holiday home in St Ives would be the perfect purchase. For those looking to venture further afield will be spoilt for choice with the plentiful beaches, attractions, walking routes and more.

5. Looe

If you'd like to buy a holiday home surrounded by beautiful woodland and cobbled streets, then Looe could be the place for you. Located near the bustling city of Plymouth, Looe has its own choice of independent boutiques and delicious eateries, which make for an ideal base for exploring South Cornwall.

With its range of golden sandy beaches, well-known food scene and attractions for everybody to enjoy, it's an excellent place to buy a holiday home.

Buying a holiday home in Looe makes you perfectly placed for experiencing this mesmeric stretch of the South West Coast Path, with both the North and South Cornwall coasts within easy reach.

6. Newquay

It is no surprise that, according to our data, Newquay is one of the best places to buy a holiday let in Cornwall. Newquay offers everything that Cornwall is famous for, all within walking distance.

While buying a holiday home in the centre of Newquay may be one of the more expensive options in Cornwall, it is an excellent base to explore from, as everything you need is on your doorstep.

If guests wish to venture further afield, Newquay rests fairly centrally along the North Cornwall coast, with seemingly endless opportunities to make the most of.

7. St Just

St Just is deemed as being one of the best places to buy a holiday home in Cornwall according to our statistics. Situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and wild moors, along with independent pubs and eateries dotted throughout streets wrapped in compelling history.

This atmospheric town is a short drive away from the legendary Land's End landmark. With its rich mining history and beautiful countryside scenery, St Just is a superb town from which to explore the dramatic edges of West Cornwall.

8. Lostwithiel

Steeped in medieval history with a thriving community, Lostwithiel makes a popular choice for buying a holiday home in Cornwall.

Home to the magnificent circular Restormel Castle, the ancient stannary town is Cornwall's historic capital and boasts a range of antique fairs, independent pubs and boutique shops, and is the perfect base for exploring South Cornwall.

Its stunning woodland valley, fascinating architecture and historic ruins are what make this area of Cornwall a desirable spot to buy a holiday home.

9. Fowey

Fowey is in a superb spot for exploring Cornwall, and offers a little bit of everything - this is what makes it one of the top locations for a Cornwall holiday home.

Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Fowey has plenty to offer guests. Use this harbour town as a charming base for exploring its many tourist attractions and amenities, including art galleries and museums, not to mention the majestic St Catherine's Castle.

The wonders of South Cornwall beckon from here, from secluded swimming spots and breathtaking scenery to rustic dining in charming independent shops and eateries. Fowey is perfect for guests that are looking for a relaxing base within reach of a world of opportunity.

10. Crantock

Situated on the North Cornwall Coast and boasting historic streets lined with impressive architecture and amenities aplenty, Crantock is an excellent location to buy a holiday let.

With its seemingly infinite amount of walking routes, sparkling sands and traditional annual events, including the Crantock Summer Fiesta street fair, this coastal village makes a terrific location for buying a holiday home.

Buying a holiday home in Crantock would give holidaymakers a base from which to explore what North Cornwall is all about; authentic local culture, endless amounts of glorious beaches and scenic walking routes home to some of the UK's most renowned water sports.

Let Sykes help you find the perfect holiday let for you

Are you ready for the next step? Why not take a look at the list of holiday homes for sale in Cornwall, an extensive list sure to offer up an investment opportunity perfect for you.

Working with our flexible holiday let management companies across the Sykes group means you can enjoy a local service unique to your needs when looking to buy a holiday let.

With extensive knowledge and over 50 years' experience, Cornish Cottage Holidays are local letting agents who can help you discover the perfect holiday home to buy in Cornwall.For tailored advice on buying a holiday home in North Cornwall, John Bray Cornish Holidays are based locally in the Rock and Port Isaac areas.   Carbis Bay Holidays specialise in holiday lets in Carbis Bay and St Ives, offering professional holiday home management services - from maintenance and changeovers to marketing.

Get in touch with our property experts today for advice and guidance tailored to you to help make you a successful holiday let owner.